No policy was going to survive the combination of re-runs of Margaret Thatcher in the 1970’s justifying milk cuts and wide eyed little kids loving their free milk. This was obvious to anyone, unless of course you are a Minister with a record of gaffes in her already short term of office. The reaction from those with more than half a brain on the right, who support the coalition was onvious and more surprisingly the reactions of those on the left was either silent or self congratulatory. The reactions from Labour, well they vary from cock-a-hoop to actually agreeing with the cut – recognising that most children under 5 are in some sort of private nursery care.

Ben Brogan has it right. Tories and milk are a toxic mix. Ever since Margaret thatcher was labelled “Milk Snatcher” in the 1970’s Tories and cutting funding for services to children do not mix. Ed Balls was able to present £2 billion lopped off the education budget as a “saving”. The Tories can not.